Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), commonly referred to as ADD or ADHD is a behavioral disorder marked by hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattentiveness according to the DSM-IV Manual for psychological disorders. Nutritional products can be used as a supplemental resource for medications. Consult your doctor before trying any of these products.
Bacopa
Bacopa monniera, also known as Brahmi has been used as a cognitive enhancer in Asia for over a thousand years. Recently, scientists have confirmed the herb's potent effect. A trial done with 36 children diagnosed with ADHD and given an extract of the herb showed significant improvement over a 12-week period as compared to a placebo group. Bacopa must be taken on a regular basis over a period of weeks to be effective says Dr. Ray Sahelian. Consult your doctor before using Bacopa.
Nurture and Clarity
Nurture and Clarity is a nutrient formula concocted by the Tree of Healing clinic to treat ADHD. The formula is a mixture of medicinal plants including centalla asiatica, indian ginseng, albizia julisbrissan and euphrezia rostkoaviana. An independent scientific trial at Adaptation Clinic of the Sheba Medical Centre in Israel, headed by Dr. Miri Katz, showed Nurture and Clarity to be effective at treating ADHD across four different attention-related tasks. Nurture and Clarity takes, on average, six weeks for results to be noticeable, however a major plus for the product is that no side effects were observed during the clinical trial. Still, consult your doctor before taking Nature and Clarity.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is another well-known nutritional product for treating ADHD. Levels of Omega-3 fatty acids are lower in the diets of children with ADHD then those without says Dr. Daniel Amen in his book "Healing ADD." Supplementing with a daily regimen of fish oil can restore Omega 3 levels to their proper balance and mitigate ADHD symptoms.
SAMe
Dr. Daniem Amen, a well known ADHD researcher, also suggests the use of SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine) in treating ADD. SAMe is a molecule found in all living cells that's involved in the production of neurotransmitters and helps the brain to function properly. Extra SAMe can be taken in the form of tablets and works well as an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety supplement, it is helpful in reducing these negative symptoms that accompany ADHD.
References
- "Healing ADD";Daniel G. Amen, M.D, 2001
- "Journal of Attention Disorders";A Compound Herbal Preparation (CHP) in the Treatment of Children With ADHD: A Randomized Controlled Trial; M. Katz; March 2010
- "Indian Journal of Psychiatry";Clinical evaluation of memory enhancing properties of Memory Plus in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Negi, KS; April 2000.
